The points of issue
US Knopf, 1985; incorporates all of 'Writings and Drawings' plus roughly 120 new pieces, additional full-page illustrations, and an index; ISBN 0-394-54278-9 (9780394542782). Borzoi imprint with stated 'First Edition'. Octavo in dust jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Knopf 1985 is the true first of this expanded compilation. The UK Jonathan Cape edition follows. Note that some listings loosely call it a 'second edition' because it succeeds the 1973 'Writings and Drawings'; that is a colloquialism for the revision, not a printing state, and the 1985 Knopf printing is the genuine first edition of this expanded text. Dylan-signed copies are scarce but signature is not a point of the trade first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The UK Paladin paperback (ISBN 0586086471) is a reprint. Confirm the Knopf imprint and 1985 date.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Lyrics, 1962-1985 a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Knopf, 1985; incorporates all of 'Writings and Drawings' plus roughly 120 new pieces, additional full-page illustrations, and an index; ISBN 0-394-54278-9 (9780394542782). Borzoi imprint with stated 'First Edition'. Octavo in dust jacket.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Knopf 1985 is the true first of this expanded compilation. The UK Jonathan Cape edition follows. Note that some listings loosely call it a 'second edition' because it succeeds the 1973 'Writings and Drawings'; that is a colloquialism for the revision, not a printing state, and the 1985 Knopf prin
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The UK Paladin paperback (ISBN 0586086471) is a reprint. Confirm the Knopf imprint and 1985 date.
I have a first edition of Lyrics, 1962-1985 — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.